My 80th post on this site, mix Pray for the rain

[Obelix]

Another mix. When I am getting closer to 100 I feel that my mixes sound way better than before. I now do les EQ, compression and fx. And, songs start to sound better and better. I need some feedback.

[ThomasStevenson]

Hi Obelix - thanks for posting your mix! I had a chance to listen to it tonight, so I thought I would send you a note. I like your take on the background vocals - it was a unique blend I was hearing. I am used to a bit more reverb on the vocal part, so my first reaction was that they were too dry. It started to grow on me though as I listened on. The drums, especially the snare, seemed like they could benefit from a bit more reverb or space. It might just be taste . There is also quite a bit of low end with the kick and bass.

Did you use a reference track? I would be interested to know what it is. Thanks for posting !

Cheers

Thomas

[Obelix]

Did you use a reference track? I would be interested to know what it is. Thanks for posting !


I did not use any referece tracks, I did that mix by ear. Snare could have a bit more reverb, but I do not like using reverb on vocals by itself . If I use it on vocals I will put some kind of delay or EQ in front of it. If you like to hear it like some songs from 80s I will drown vocals and drums (snares and toms) in reverb. So let it be version 2.

[ThomasStevenson]

I would mix it to your taste - I just wanted to offer a few observations.

Cheers

Thomas

[Obelix]

Now the version 2. Better panning, more fx on main vocal and 80s style drums. I hope you will like it. You were right about vocal and drums. I mixed it this way (only drums, fx on main vocal and paning of two guitars in the chorus are changed), and the song just sounded to me like a record.

[Obelix]

Now version 2.

[Mandubien]

Hi Obelix.

I only listen to your second mix. The overheads are very harsh. I think a deesser will help them here.
I find drums not really balanced : snare and kick are too much in front, but toms are way behind the rest. Guitars are too much behind. Maybe it was on purpose ?

Backing vocals could be a bit more in front, but that's my taste.

[Obelix]

Hi Obelix.

I only listen to your second mix. The overheads are very harsh. I think a deesser will help them here.
I find drums not really balanced : snare and kick are too much in front, but toms are way behind the rest. Guitars are too much behind. Maybe it was on purpose ?

Backing vocals could be a bit more in front, but that's my taste.

Why, cause I could not hear anything wrong with drums I have here. Listen to the first mix, maybe you would like it better. You are right about guitars, they should have come louder.

[Mandubien]

Yep, I really prefer drums in the first mix. The voice could be a little warmer, but that's fine.
Do you usually listen to your mixes on different devices ? If it sounds nice on tv, cars, laptop, ipod... then you're good.

Also, at which volume do you mix with your monitors ? Loud volumes change the perception we have of sounds : they give more high and low ends, so when listening then at normal volume, you realize something's wrong. And less volume is also less reflection from the room

[Obelix]

Yep, I really prefer drums in the first mix. The voice could be a little warmer, but that's fine.
Do you usually listen to your mixes on different devices ? If it sounds nice on tv, cars, laptop, ipod... then you're good.

Also, at which volume do you mix with your monitors ? Loud volumes change the perception we have of sounds : they give more high and low ends, so when listening then at normal volume, you realize something's wrong. And less volume is also less reflection from the room

I mix on headphones and I listen on cheap computer speakers in a room with high celing and sometimes I listen to my mixes on hi fi system that is 12 years old.